La Ofrenda – the Altar of the Dead

Las Ofrendas – traditional funeral altars or gift tables in homes – are at the centre of the Día de Muertos celebrations. They are set with food and drink, flowers, and personal mementos. The dead are expected to fortify themselves after their long journey from the realm of the dead and to take some of the gifts back with them. Photos of the deceased, candles, and incense are meant to remind people of times shared.

On the eve of 1 November, the souls of the deceased are received at home, after which the farewell takes place in the cemeteries. There, people eat food they brought with them, drink, play music, and dance. At midnight it is time for the deceased to return to the afterlife. The feast is over until the dead come back the next year.

The artist Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas has created anOfrenda for the Weltmuseum Wien, which will be exhibited this year in an exhibition hall on the ground floor due to renovation work in the Hall of Columns.

We cordially invite all visitors with a valid museum ticket to visit the Ofrenda from 19 October to 10 November and to commemorate the deceased and to keep their memory alive.

Duration: 30 min.
Admission: € 3 (valid museum ticket required)
Ticketsavailable online or at the ticket office
Meeting Point: Hall of Columns